Mercedes SL 500 vs. Porsche 911 Carrera S

The German car brands Mercedes and Porsche kicked off this year’s summer season with the launch of new high-end convertibles – the Mercedes SL 500 and Porsche 911 Carrera S. Get ready for a ride to the beach, feel the wind in your hair, the sun in your face and the power underneath you.

In case you have difficulties in deciding which one of the two roadsters to get, check out the following quick comparison.

Space

If you are planning to bring loads of luggage with you on a road trip you will be better off with the SL 500. When the top is closed, the boot can fit 500 litres; when the car is open, it is still possible to store 364 litres. The Porsche can’t compete with that. Storage space is restricted to the front boot (135 litres) and the back emergency seats.

Driving Comfort

Experts prefer the SL 500 for long distances. The seats are big, soft and comfortable plus the car is perfectly sealed off from wind and tyre noises. The engine of the Porsche, on the other hand, is louder than the wind once you hit the pedal to the metal. The seats provide more support than the ones of Mercedes but they are also tighter and harder. The difference in driving comfort between the two cars is minimal though as both seem to fly over potholes and uneven asphalt. The suspension of both convertibles is excellent.

Engine

The engine sound is one of the most fun parts of supercars. The soundtrack and acceleration should be spine-tingling and rise simultaneously with your adrenaline level. The SL 500 has a twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre V8 that produces 429 hp and makes for a powerful soundtrack. The 911 Carrera’s 400 hp engine is happy to burble slowly through town but also to give way to a deep and loud roar at higher revs. Although it has less power than the SL 500, it is the fastest. The Porsche blasts from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds, chased by the Mercedes in 4.7 seconds.

Fuel consumption

Both cars have made significant improvements concerning the fuel consumption. The SL 500 uses 11.3 litres per 100 km – a 22 percent reduction compared to its predecessor. The 911 Carrera S consumes even less with 11.1 litres per 100 km.

Mercedes and Porsche will please all lovers of sporty supercars. The differences in the convertibles are minimal and the decisive argument might well be the price. The SL 500 will sell for around £82,000 whereas the 911 Carrera S will hit the market for around £95,000 (exact price yet to be announced.